University of Utah Research Foundation

Dongin Kim

You Han Bae

Eun Seong Lee

Zhonggao Gao

Yu Seok Youn

Kyung Taek Oh

A drug delivery vehicle for targeted delivery of a drug mimics viral properties of size, capsid-like protein capsule, cell-specific entry, toxin release, destruction of infected cells, and migration to neighboring cells. This vehicle, termed a virogel, contains a hydrophobic polymeric core, a hydrophilic inner shell, a hydrophilic outer shell, and a ligand. An illustrative drug-loaded virogel includes poly(L-histidine-co-phenylalanine) as the core, doxorubicin loaded in the core, polyethylene glycol as the inner shell, bovine serum albumin as the outer shell, and folic acid as the ligand.

Drug delivery vehicle that mimics viral properties

Mixed micelles containing poly(L-histidine-co-phenylalanine)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer and poly(L-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer are a pH-sensitive drug carrier that release the drug in an acidic microenvironment, but not in the blood. Since the microenvironment of solid tumors is acidic, these mixed micelles are useful for treating cancer, including those cancers exhibiting multidrug resistance. Targeting ligands, such as folate, can also be attached to the mixed micelles for enhancing drug delivery into cells. Methods of treating a warm-blooded animal with such a drug are disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Dongin Kim